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Structural Steel Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SR. STRUCTURAL ENGINEER (CIVIL) As a member of the critical infrastructure team, you will help ... Perform both civil and structural design and analysis calculations for structural steel and ...

Quality Control Manager

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $125K/yr

Oversee quality compliance for structural steel fabrication, welding, bolting, and installation ... Act as primary quality liaison with general contractors, inspectors, and engineers * Support field ...

Sr. Structural Engineer

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

As a Sr. Structural Engineer, you will work with a group of elite engineers across multiple ... Perform both civil and structural design and analysis calculations for structural steel and ...

Sr. Structural Engineer

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

As a Sr. Structural Engineer, you will work with a group of elite engineers across multiple ... Perform both civil and structural design and analysis calculations for structural steel and ...

Tekla Virtual Design Manager

Orange, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

... in structural steel, miscellaneous steel, architectural metals, and stairs. Our quality ... This role bridges engineering, detailing, fabrication, and construction by ensuring that digital ...

... in structural steel, miscellaneous steel, architectural metals, and stairs. Our quality ... This role bridges engineering, detailing, fabrication, and construction by ensuring that digital ...

Tekla Virtual Design Manager

Orange, CA ยท On-site +1

$140K - $160K/yr

... in structural steel, miscellaneous steel, architectural metals, and stairs. Our quality ... This role bridges engineering, detailing, fabrication, and construction by ensuring that digital ...

Structural Engineer

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

Your Opportunity As a Structural Engineer , your role is to work with general supervision and ... Design, analyze and specify primarily reinforced concrete, masonry and structural steel systems and ...

Estimator

Stockton, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

... in structural engineering, structural detailing or construction management Work Experience: * Five years of progressively responsible experience estimating structural steel construction projects.

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Showing results 1-20

Structural Steel Engineer information

See California salary details

$26.4K

$80K

$139.5K

How much do structural steel engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural steel engineer in California is $79,979.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,264.00 and $97,433.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior structural steel engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or large projects. Achieving this salary often requires specialized skills, project management expertise, and working in competitive markets or executive positions.

What types of projects do Structural Steel Engineers typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other professionals during the design and construction phases?

Structural Steel Engineers are often involved in designing and analyzing steel frameworks for buildings, bridges, industrial facilities, and infrastructure projects. Throughout a project, they collaborate closely with architects to ensure the design vision aligns with structural safety and code requirements. They also work alongside construction managers, fabricators, and contractors to resolve technical issues, provide guidance on material selection, and address on-site challenges. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as their input directly impacts both the safety and efficiency of the final structure.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, or in leadership roles. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive expertise, and work in high-demand industries or companies.

What does a Structural Steel Engineer do?

A Structural Steel Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and overseeing the construction of steel frameworks for buildings, bridges, and other structures. They ensure that steel components meet safety codes, structural integrity, and project requirements. Their work involves collaborating with architects, construction teams, and fabricators to create plans and specifications, select appropriate materials, and solve engineering challenges. Structural Steel Engineers also conduct site inspections and assess existing structures for safety and durability. Their expertise is critical to the safe and efficient use of steel in construction projects.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Structural steel engineers typically earn high salaries, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles. While some senior or specialized engineers can approach or exceed $500,000 annually, such earnings are uncommon and often depend on factors like location, industry, and project scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Structural Steel Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Structural Steel Engineer, a solid background in structural engineering principles, steel design, and a relevant engineering degree with professional licensure (such as PE) is essential. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, Tekla Structures, and finite element analysis tools, as well as knowledge of industry codes (e.g., AISC), is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex challenges. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective steel structures that comply with industry standards and client requirements.

How much does a structural steel engineer make?

The average salary for a structural steel engineer varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level engineers may earn around $60,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn over $130,000. Certifications and proficiency with design software like AutoCAD or Revit can influence earning potential.

What is the difference between Structural Steel Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectStructural Steel EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Structural or Civil Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license common
Work EnvironmentDesigning and analyzing steel structures, working with steel fabricatorsBroader infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and buildings
Industry UsageConstruction, steel manufacturing, structural design firmsConstruction, transportation, urban planning

While both roles require a background in civil or structural engineering and often similar certifications, a Structural Steel Engineer specializes in designing and analyzing steel frameworks, whereas a Civil Engineer has a broader scope covering various infrastructure projects. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Structural Steel Engineer jobs in CA? For Structural Steel Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Structural Steel Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 79% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,979 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Lead Structural Engineer 2 - Grid

Lead Structural Engineer 2 - Grid

Sargent & Lundy

Pasadena, CA โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design. As a member of an engineering and design team, you will work on a wide range of power transmission modifications and upgrades to support client recommendations and reviews including creating calculations, design documents and specifications. 

  • You will work on challenging assignments that include investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of structural engineering issues.
  • You will perform structural analysis and detailed design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, equipment, and foundations. 
  • Develop integrated structural designs and perform supporting calculations for the planned work.
  • You will have direct interface with the client and communicate technical information.
  • You will prepare technical specifications for structural materials.
  • You will Perform independent reviews of work performed by others, including calculations and drawing preparation.
  • Coordinate and provide guidance to other engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to ensure a complete and timely design. 
  • Perform reviews of existing facilities to propose upgrades and replacements, and present findings and recommendations to clients and peers.
  • You will develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other experienced engineers by way of S&Lโ€™s systems of process and associated โ€œCommunities of Practice.โ€ 
  • You will travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to substation locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs. 

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with the expectation of spending three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

Dependent upon your location, this opportunity offers a generous relocation package.


We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

  • This position requires a BSCE or MSCE from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background in behavior of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design.
  • 12 or more years of experience as a practicing structural engineer preferably a member of a project team working on the design and upgrade of electrical substations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with the client with appropriate level of technical detail
  • Ability to perform occasional walk-downs and visit client site to attend scoping meetings.
  • Experience in writing and providing support documentation for structural engineering calculations.
  • Must be able to complete assignments within budget and schedule with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Technically knowledgeable of the practical application of structural engineering including analysis for structural supports, loads, and design integrity.
  • Experience with the design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Proficiency with any of the following programs: MathCad, STAAD PRO, SAP2000, SAFE, RISA 3D and RISA Floor
  • Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI 318.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

  • PE license
  • Experience in the design of light industrial building structures

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

$134,546 - $205,557
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.


Sargent & Lundy logo

About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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